Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

High-entropy alloy

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a class of multicomponent materials composed of five or more principal elements mixed in near-equiatomic proportions, which maximizes their configurational and promotes the formation of simple solid-solution phases rather than complex intermetallics. This design paradigm, independently proposed by J.W. Yeh and Brian Cantor in 2004, shifts traditional ing strategies from base-solute systems to multi-principal element compositions, enabling enhanced phase stability and unique microstructures such as nanostructures or amorphous phases. The high configurational entropy in HEAs, calculated as \Delta S_{config} = -R \sum (x_i \ln x_i) where R is the and x_i are atomic fractions, stabilizes disordered solid solutions like face-centered cubic (FCC) or body-centered cubic (BCC) lattices, often resulting in fewer phases than predicted by the Gibbs . Notable examples include the equiatomic CrMnFeCoNi , which forms a single-phase FCC structure with exceptional , and refractory HEAs like HfNbTaTiZr, which exhibit BCC phases suitable for high-temperature applications. These demonstrate superior mechanical properties compared to conventional metals, including high yield strengths (e.g., 571 at 1,600°C for HfMoNbTaW), balanced strength- trade-offs, and resistance to under extreme conditions. Beyond mechanics, HEAs exhibit remarkable environmental stability, such as enhanced in harsh media and oxidation at elevated temperatures, making them promising for , , and biomedical uses. Ongoing research focuses on tailoring compositions via additive manufacturing or computational design to optimize properties like specific yield strength (e.g., 89.75 MPa·cm³/g for MoNbSiTaTiV at 1,200°C) while addressing challenges in and cost.

History and Development

Origins and Early Research

The concept of entropy-stabilized phases in emerged in the late , particularly through research on bulk metallic glasses, where configurational played a key role in enhancing glass-forming ability and phase stability in multi-component systems. In the 1990s, Akihisa Inoue and colleagues at developed criteria for amorphous alloys, including the use of at least three elements with significant atomic size mismatches and negative mixing enthalpies, which increased mixing to suppress and stabilize disordered structures. These efforts highlighted entropy's influence on phase formation but were primarily focused on amorphous rather than crystalline phases. Traditional alloys, typically based on one or two dominant s like iron or aluminum, were constrained by limited ranges and complex s, restricting the optimization of properties such as strength, , and resistance. To address these limitations, researchers turned to multi-principal compositions in near-equal ratios, seeking to access the vast, underexplored central regions of high-dimensional diagrams where could favor simple solid solutions over brittle compounds. In 2004, Jien-Wei Yeh and his team at formally proposed high-entropy alloys as a new class of materials comprising five or more principal elements in equiatomic or near-equiatomic proportions, relying on elevated configurational to stabilize single-phase solutions and reduce the propensity for ordered phases. Independently in the same year, Brian Cantor and collaborators at the explored equiatomic multi-component alloys, demonstrating their microstructural simplicity and potential for innovative properties through -driven phase selection. Initial experiments underscored these ideas with the equiatomic CoCrFeNiMn system, which et al. arc-melted and annealed, yielding a single-phase face-centered cubic with uniform microstructure and no detectable intermetallics, exemplifying the high-entropy effect's role in phase stabilization. This alloy's formation of a simple crystalline phase, rather than the expected multiphase mixtures, validated the approach and spurred further investigation into as a design parameter for .

Key Milestones and Recent Advances

In the 2010s, the discovery of refractory (RHEAs) marked a significant milestone, with Senkov and colleagues introducing the equiatomic MoNbTaW in 2010, which demonstrated exceptional high-temperature strength, retaining yield strengths above 400 MPa up to 1600°C while maintaining reasonable . This 's body-centered cubic structure and solid-solution strengthening provided superior performance compared to traditional nickel-based superalloys, sparking widespread interest in RHEAs for and turbine applications. Subsequent developments, such as the addition of to form MoNbTaWV, further enhanced oxidation resistance and properties, solidifying RHEAs as a promising class for extreme environments. Entering the 2020s, the integration of high-entropy alloys with additive manufacturing techniques enabled the fabrication of complex geometries unattainable by conventional casting, such as intricate lattice structures for components in systems. For instance, of CoCrFeMnNi alloys produced parts with uniform microstructures and ultimate tensile strengths of approximately 600 . Concurrently, high-entropy alloys with densities below 6 g/cm³ emerged, exemplified by Al_{14}{11}{35}{15}Zr{25} systems that achieved densities as low as 3.36 g/cm³ while offering specific strengths superior to , driven by careful selection of low-density elements to maintain single-phase stability. Recent advances in 2024 and 2025 have focused on functional enhancements, including high-entropy alloys through additions, where CoCrFeNiCu variants exhibited over 99% bacterial against E. coli and S. aureus via controlled Cu ion release, without compromising mechanical integrity. has accelerated design processes, reducing experimental iterations by predicting phase stability and properties across vast compositional spaces; for example, models identified ductile BCC alloys with yield strengths above 1.2 GPa from datasets of over 10,000 simulations. Additionally, 2025 reviews highlight breakthroughs in high-temperature resistance, with RHEAs demonstrating creep rates below 10^{-8} s^{-1} at 1000°C under applied stresses, attributed to sluggish and distortion effects. As of November 2025, further -driven discoveries have identified novel RHEAs with improved oxidation resistance for space applications.

Definition and Fundamentals

Compositional Criteria

High-entropy alloys are multicomponent materials composed of at least five principal elements, each present in near-equiatomic ratios typically ranging from 5 to 35 at.%, designed to maximize configurational and promote the formation of simple phases. The quantitative criterion for high-entropy classification centers on the configurational , \Delta S_\text{conf}, calculated for an ideal random as \Delta S_\text{conf} = -R \sum_{i=1}^n c_i \ln c_i, where R is the gas constant and c_i are the atomic fractions of the n components. Alloys are considered high-entropy when \Delta S_\text{conf} > 1.5R, a threshold met by equiatomic compositions with five or more elements, yielding \Delta S_\text{conf} \approx 1.61R. Variations include medium-entropy alloys, which feature three to four principal elements with $1R < \Delta S_\text{conf} < 1.5R. Minor elements, limited to less than 10 at.%, may also be added to refine properties such as strength or corrosion resistance while preserving the core high-entropy characteristics. To favor solid solution formation over intermetallics or amorphous phases, empirical guidelines specify an atomic size difference \delta < 6.6\%. This parameter, alongside the high-entropy effect, enhances phase stability in such compositions.

Classification Schemes

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are classified by composition into refractory and non-refractory categories, reflecting their primary elemental makeup and intended performance ranges. Refractory HEAs, composed mainly of high-melting-point elements such as niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, and tungsten, exhibit melting points exceeding 2000°C, enabling applications in extreme thermal environments; a representative example is the NbMoTaW alloy, which demonstrates exceptional high-temperature stability. In contrast, non-refractory HEAs incorporate transition metals like cobalt, chromium, iron, nickel, and manganese, offering enhanced ductility at room temperature; the equiatomic CoCrFeNiMn alloy, known as the , exemplifies this group with its single-phase structure supporting superior deformability under ambient conditions. Classification by crystal structure further delineates HEAs into single-phase and multi-phase types, influencing their mechanical balance. Single-phase HEAs predominantly form face-centered cubic (FCC), body-centered cubic (BCC), or hexagonal close-packed (HCP) lattices, where the high-entropy effect promotes solid-solution stability and uniform properties. Multi-phase HEAs, such as duplex or eutectic variants, combine phases like FCC and BCC to achieve synergistic strength and ductility, with eutectic structures arising from controlled solidification paths that avoid brittleness. Emerging classification schemes extend to lightweight HEAs and high-entropy ceramics, addressing specific material demands. Lightweight HEAs incorporate aluminum or magnesium to achieve densities below 7 g/cm³ while retaining entropy-driven benefits, enabling weight-sensitive designs without sacrificing performance. High-entropy ceramics, exemplified by boride compositions like (Hf,Zr,Ta,Nb,Ti)B₂, leverage multi-element substitution in non-metallic matrices for ultra-high-temperature resilience beyond traditional alloys.

Core Effects

High-Entropy Effect

The high-entropy effect refers to the thermodynamic stabilization of multi-principal element solid solutions in (HEAs) through elevated configurational entropy, which reduces the Gibbs free energy of the system relative to competing intermetallic phases. In the Gibbs free energy equation, \Delta G = \Delta H - T \Delta S, the increased entropy term T \Delta S (where T is temperature) counteracts the enthalpic contributions \Delta H, favoring disordered solid solution phases over ordered intermetallics or phase-separated structures, particularly at elevated temperatures. This effect is central to the original conceptualization of HEAs, where the random mixing of multiple elements maximizes entropy to promote single-phase stability. The configurational entropy \Delta S_\text{conf} for an ideal multicomponent solid solution is given by \Delta S_\text{conf} = -R \sum_{i=1}^n c_i \ln c_i, where R is the gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K), n is the number of components, and c_i are the mole fractions of each element. For equiatomic compositions with five principal elements (c_i = 1/5), this simplifies to \Delta S_\text{conf} \approx 1.61R \approx 13.4 J/mol·K, significantly higher than in traditional alloys with one or two dominant elements, where \Delta S_\text{conf} is typically around 5–8 J/mol·K for binary equimolar systems. In HEAs with more components (e.g., six to ten elements), the entropy can reach 15–20 J/mol·K, providing a substantial thermodynamic drive to suppress phase separation and stabilize solid solutions at high temperatures. Experimental validation of the high-entropy effect comes from high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry, which measures enthalpies of formation and reveals that the enthalpy of mixing \Delta H_\text{mix} in HEAs is often small or modestly negative (e.g., -10 to -25 kJ/mol for prototypical equiatomic alloys like CoCrFeMnNi), allowing the entropic contribution to dominate phase stability without strong enthalpic opposition. These measurements confirm that the elevated \Delta S_\text{conf} lowers the overall \Delta G for solid solutions, as predicted, and supports the suppression of intermetallic formation observed in synthesized HEAs.

Lattice Distortion Effect

The lattice distortion effect in (HEAs) originates from significant variations in the atomic radii of the multiple principal elements, which introduce substantial local strains into the crystal lattice. This mismatch is characterized by the atomic size difference parameter δ, defined as \delta = 100 \sqrt{\sum c_i \left(1 - \frac{r_i}{\bar{r}}\right)^2}, where c_i is the atomic fraction of the i-th element, r_i its atomic radius, and \bar{r} the composition-weighted average atomic radius. Values of δ typically exceed 6% in HEAs, far surpassing those in conventional alloys, leading to severe and heterogeneous lattice distortions that deviate from ideal random solid solutions. These distortions create fluctuating local atomic environments, where each atom experiences unique nearest-neighbor configurations due to differences in size and electronic structure. This variability alters local electron density distributions and modifies interatomic bonding strengths, resulting in non-uniform elastic fields that impede dislocation glide and climb. Consequently, the effect enhances mechanical strength primarily through , where the increased and friction against dislocations yield higher yield strengths compared to dilute alloys with similar compositions. For instance, in refractory , lattice distortion contributes to yield strengths exceeding 1 GPa by elevating the energy barriers for dislocation motion without relying on secondary phases. The severity of lattice distortion can be quantified using the Warren-Cowley short-range order parameter α_ij for atomic pairs i and j, which measures deviations from random mixing. Negative values of α_ij indicate a preference for unlike neighbors, amplifying strain fields. Experimental evidence from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on the equiatomic CoCrFeNiMn HEA demonstrates these non-uniform strain fields, with high-resolution images revealing atomic-scale displacements and residual strains up to several percent, directly visualizing the distortion's impact on lattice uniformity. This structural heterogeneity also underpins the sluggish diffusion observed in HEAs by increasing activation energies for atomic jumps.

Sluggish Diffusion Effect

The sluggish diffusion effect in high-entropy alloys (HEAs) arises from the complex atomic environment created by multiple principal elements, which distorts the lattice and introduces multi-element traps that impede atomic movement. This results in higher activation energies for diffusion compared to conventional alloys, as the fluctuating lattice potential energy forms significant barriers and blocks for migrating atoms. The effect is particularly pronounced in multi-principal component systems, where the increased chemical complexity prolongs diffusion pathways, leading to overall reduced atomic mobility. However, recent studies indicate that the sluggish diffusion effect is not universally observed, with diffusion rates sometimes comparable to those in conventional alloys, prompting ongoing debate in the field. The diffusion behavior follows the Arrhenius relation: D = D_0 \exp\left(-\frac{Q}{RT}\right) where D is the diffusion coefficient, D_0 is the pre-exponential factor, Q is the activation energy, R is the gas constant, and T is the absolute temperature. In HEAs, Q values often exceed 280 kJ/mol—such as 294 kJ/mol for Co diffusion in —compared to 200–250 kJ/mol in many binary FCC alloys, while D_0 is reduced due to configurational entropy penalties that lower the frequency of successful jumps. In refractory HEAs like , Q can surpass 300 kJ/mol, further slowing kinetics. This reduced diffusion enhances high-temperature performance by improving creep resistance through lower strain rates under load and by delaying phase transformations, thereby promoting microstructural stability. Tracer diffusion measurements in refractory HEAs, such as those using radiotracers in NbMoTaW and similar systems, reveal rates 10–100 times slower than in pure refractory metals at equivalent homologous temperatures, confirming the kinetic hindrance.

Cocktail Effect

The cocktail effect in high-entropy alloys describes the emergent, non-linear improvements in material properties resulting from synergistic interactions among multiple principal elements, often yielding performance superior to linear combinations of individual element behaviors. This phenomenon arises because the complex compositional mixing in HEAs fosters unpredictable atomic-level synergies that enhance overall functionality, such as combined strength and toughness, beyond what conventional alloy design principles would anticipate. A representative example is the AlCoCrFeNi system, where aluminum addition induces solid solution strengthening via its large atomic radius, significantly boosting yield strength to levels around 1400 MPa while preserving substantial ductility of 25%, thereby avoiding the brittleness typically induced by similar modifications in traditional alloys. Another illustration involves certain CoCrFeNi-based HEAs exhibiting unexpectedly high corrosion resistance in marine environments, where the multi-element composition promotes the development of stable, synergistic multi-component oxide layers—incorporating elements like Cr, Al, and Mo—that form dense, adherent barriers against chloride attack and localized pitting. Theoretically, the cocktail effect is rooted in the statistical mechanics of random solid solutions, where elevated configurational entropy from equimolar or near-equimolar multi-element mixing stabilizes disordered lattices, facilitating diverse atomic interactions that drive property optimizations not achievable in simpler alloys. This framework underscores how the probabilistic distribution of atoms in HEAs creates opportunities for emergent synergies, amplifying desirable traits like durability under extreme conditions. A compelling case study is the development of 20-element high-entropy alloys, such as Brian Cantor's equiatomic multicomponent ingot (with 5 at.% each of Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, W, Mo, Nb, Al, Cd, Sn, Pb, Bi, Zn, Ge, Si, Sb, and Mg), which leverages the to achieve superior radiation tolerance by distributing defects across diverse atomic sites, reducing swelling and embrittlement compared to conventional nuclear materials. Such optimizations highlight the potential of the , synergizing with core mechanisms like lattice distortion and sluggish diffusion, to tailor HEAs for demanding applications in nuclear environments.

Design Principles

Phase Formation Mechanisms

The phase formation mechanisms in high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are governed by adaptations of the classical , which emphasize solid solution formation over intermetallic compounds. A key criterion is the atomic size mismatch, typically limited to less than 15% to minimize lattice strain and promote substitutional solubility among the constituent elements. In HEAs, this is more precisely quantified by the atomic size difference parameter \delta = \sqrt{\sum_{i=1}^{n} c_i (1 - r_i / \bar{r})^2}, where \bar{r} is the average atomic radius and \delta \leq 6.6\% favors solid solution formation. Additionally, the valence electron concentration (VEC) plays a pivotal role in determining the preferred crystal structure: high VEC values (≥8) favor face-centered cubic (FCC) phases due to enhanced metallic bonding, while lower VEC (≤6.87) stabilizes body-centered cubic (BCC) phases through more directional bonding characteristics. During synthesis, particularly via melting and solidification, phase formation proceeds through nucleation and growth pathways where the high configurational entropy stabilizes disordered solid solutions. As the melt cools, random atomic arrangements nucleate preferentially over ordered intermetallics, as the entropy term lowers the Gibbs free energy of the solid solution phase relative to brittle compounds. This mechanism effectively suppresses the formation of intermetallics, which would otherwise dominate in conventional alloys with fewer elements. Empirical prediction tools, such as the parameter Ω (defined as the ratio of melting temperature times configurational entropy to the absolute mixing enthalpy), aid in forecasting single-phase formation; values of Ω > 1.1 indicate a high likelihood of phases by balancing entropic and enthalpic contributions. In practice, non- HEAs, such as those based on Co-Cr-Fe-Ni-Mn, commonly form single FCC phases, leveraging their composition for . Conversely, HEAs incorporating elements like , , , and predominantly exhibit BCC structures, benefiting from their high melting points and strength at elevated temperatures.

Thermodynamic Parameters

In high-entropy alloys (HEAs), the mixing (\Delta H_{\mix}) serves as a critical thermodynamic for assessing , calculated via the Miedema model as \Delta H_{\mix} = 4 \sum_{i=1}^{n-1} \sum_{j=i+1}^{n} \Delta H_{ij} c_i c_j, where \Delta H_{ij} represents the between elements i and j, and c_i, c_j are their respective atomic fractions. This model, originally developed for systems, has been extended to multicomponent HEAs to quantify enthalpic contributions from pairwise atomic interactions, enabling predictions of formation over intermetallic phases. Beyond configurational entropy, excess entropy in HEAs arises significantly from vibrational contributions, which enhance overall and stabilize disordered structures at elevated temperatures. Experimental measurements, such as those using temperature-dependent , reveal that lattice vibrations account for a substantial portion of this excess entropy, often exceeding magnetic or electronic components and influencing the landscape. For phase stability, \Delta H_{\mix} values typically range from -15 to 5 kJ/mol, a window that favors random solid solutions by balancing enthalpic repulsion and attraction without promoting compound formation. This criterion is integrated with the configurational (\Delta S_{\conf} = -R \sum c_i \ln c_i) to minimize the (\Delta G_{\mix} = \Delta H_{\mix} - T \Delta S_{\mix}), where the entropic term dominates at high temperatures to suppress . These parameters collectively guide HEA design toward single-phase microstructures. The calculation of phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties in HEAs relies on (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) methods, which extrapolate thermodynamic databases from lower-order subsystems to multicomponent systems. Specialized databases, such as TCHEA, incorporate assessed and interactions for elements common in HEAs (e.g., , , , , ), allowing accurate predictions of phase equilibria and enabling virtual screening of compositions. In lightweight HEAs, recent analyses emphasize the entropy-enthalpy balance to achieve low-density single-phase structures, where negative mixing enthalpies from elements like and enhance stability without compromising configurational entropy gains. This balance critically influences phase formation by favoring disordered phases that support superior strength-to-weight ratios.

Kinetic Influences

The microstructure of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is profoundly influenced by cooling rates during solidification, where rapid cooling in the range of $10^3 to $10^6 K/s suppresses phase segregation and promotes the formation of amorphous phases or nanoscale structures, enhancing homogeneity and mechanical properties. This kinetic control is particularly evident in additive manufacturing techniques like laser powder bed fusion, where cooling rates up to $10^5–$10^6 K/s enable the retention of non-equilibrium features such as supersaturated solid solutions. Sluggish diffusion kinetics in HEAs, tied to the core sluggish diffusion effect, erects barriers that extend the window for solid solution formation by hindering atomic mobility and solute partitioning during processing. Specifically, partitioning coefficients k < 1 for many solutes drive their enrichment in the liquid phase ahead of the solidification front, amplifying microsegregation but allowing broader compositional ranges for single-phase stability under non-equilibrium conditions. Achieving equilibrium microstructures in HEAs demands extended processing times due to these diffusion barriers, with homogenization typically requiring hundreds of hours, such as 100 hours at 1000°C in Ti-based HEAs, to fully dissolve secondary phases and eliminate dendritic segregation. Recent advances as of 2025 have leveraged kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations, integrated with machine learning, to predict phase evolution, diffusion pathways, and nanostructures in HEAs, accelerating the design of kinetically stable compositions by modeling atomic-scale transformations over extended timescales.

Synthesis Methods

Conventional Melting Techniques

Conventional melting techniques represent the foundational approaches for synthesizing high-entropy alloys (HEAs) at the laboratory scale, primarily producing bulk ingots through controlled melting and solidification processes. These methods were instrumental in the initial discovery and development of HEAs, enabling the exploration of multi-principal element compositions that promote solid solution formation. The first HEAs, including equiatomic alloys such as , were synthesized in 2004 using arc melting, which allowed researchers to achieve homogeneous microstructures despite the diverse melting points of constituent elements. Arc melting, often conducted under vacuum or inert atmosphere, involves generating an electric arc between a tungsten electrode and the raw elemental mixture placed in a water-cooled copper crucible, typically filled with argon gas to prevent oxidation. This technique reaches temperatures exceeding 3000°C, making it suitable for incorporating refractory elements like titanium or molybdenum that require high melting points for alloying. To ensure compositional homogeneity and minimize segregation, the ingot is flipped and remelted multiple times—commonly 4 to 6 cycles—before final solidification. The process excels in rapid prototyping of small batches, supporting the empirical validation of phase stability principles derived from thermodynamic modeling. Induction melting complements arc melting by facilitating the production of larger ingots, often in the range of several kilograms, through electromagnetic induction heating in a vacuum or inert environment. This method uses a graphite or ceramic crucible, but to mitigate contamination from crucible reactions—particularly with reactive elements—electromagnetic levitation melting is frequently employed, where the molten alloy is suspended without direct contact. Induction melting provides better control over larger volumes, aiding scalability for subsequent thermomechanical processing, though it demands precise power regulation to handle varying elemental vapor pressures. Despite their efficacy, conventional melting techniques face challenges related to compositional fidelity and scale. Volatile elements, such as manganese in the CoCrFeMnNi alloy, can evaporate during high-temperature melting, leading to deviations from the intended equiatomic ratios; to counteract this, excess manganese is often added prior to melting. Such losses are more pronounced in arc melting due to localized overheating, necessitating post-melt analysis via techniques like inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy for verification. Additionally, these methods are generally limited to lab-scale yields of 50-100 grams per batch for arc melting, constraining throughput for industrial applications without further optimization.

Advanced Processing Routes

Advanced processing routes for high-entropy alloys (HEAs) enable the fabrication of complex geometries and tailored microstructures that are challenging with traditional methods, leveraging rapid solidification and non-equilibrium conditions to enhance phase stability and properties. Additive manufacturing, particularly laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), has emerged as a key technique for producing HEAs with intricate designs, achieving relative densities exceeding 99% and porosity levels below 1% through optimized parameters such as laser power, scanning speed, and hatch spacing. For instance, LPBF of the CoCrFeMnNi Cantor alloy yields nearly fully dense parts with fine-grained microstructures, while recent advancements in multi-element powder blends, including pre-alloyed gas-atomized particles (20–63 μm), facilitate uniform composition and reduced defects in alloys like AlCoCrFeNi. These processes capitalize on kinetic influences, where high cooling rates (10³–10⁶ K/s) suppress phase separation and promote solid solution formation. Mechanical alloying via high-energy ball milling, followed by consolidation through spark plasma sintering (SPS), offers a solid-state route to synthesize nanocrystalline HEAs with grain sizes as fine as 10–50 nm, enabling high densification (up to 99%) without significant coarsening. This method involves milling elemental powders at speeds of 150–350 rpm for 5–60 hours with ball-to-powder ratios of 10:1 to 20:1, producing alloys like NbMoTaWVTi (BCC structure) that exhibit compressive yield strengths over 2700 MPa and fracture strains around 11%. SPS at temperatures of 800–1200°C under 50–60 MPa pressure for minutes refines the microstructure, enhancing hardness (e.g., 615 HV for CoCrNiCuZn) and wear resistance, making it suitable for refractory and lightweight HEAs. Representative examples include HfTaTiNbZr, achieving 10.7 GPa hardness post-SPS, demonstrating the route's efficacy for bulk nanocrystalline components. Thin-film deposition techniques, such as , , and , are pivotal for creating HEA coatings and catalytic surfaces with thicknesses from nanometers to micrometers, offering superior adhesion and functional properties. deposits homogeneous FCC-structured films like AlCoCrCuFeNi on substrates, providing enhanced hardness and corrosion resistance for protective coatings, with recent trends emphasizing for oxide-incorporated variants that improve catalytic activity. enables precise stoichiometric transfer in alloys such as CoCrFeNiAl₀.₃, yielding high-quality films for microdevices and coatings with retained high-entropy stability under non-equilibrium conditions. , using pulse currents (e.g., 2500–5000 Hz frequency, 50–60% duty cycle) in non-aqueous electrolytes, fabricates catalytic surfaces like CoCrFeMnNi with improved corrosion resistance, ideal for electrochemical applications due to low-cost processing and tunable morphology. These methods ensure uniform multi-element distribution, critical for catalytic performance in energy conversion. Recent innovations in HEA processing include advancements in mechanical alloying for lightweight compositions with five or more principal elements, such as Al-Mg-Li-Zn-Cu-based alloys, where extended milling (up to 60 hours) refines powders for SPS consolidation, achieving densities below 6 g/cm³ while maintaining solid solution phases and improved mechanical properties like hardness up to approximately 600 HV. Progress in 2024–2025 also encompasses cryogenic-assisted milling variants, which enhance powder refinement for lightweight HEAs by reducing adhesion and enabling finer nanostructures, though primarily demonstrated in related complex alloys for aerospace applications. Emerging hybrid approaches, combining mechanical alloying with additive manufacturing, are addressing scalability challenges for industrial production as of 2025. These developments expand scalability for applications requiring reduced weight and high performance.

Modeling and Simulation

Computational Modeling Tools

Ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide insights into the electronic structure and lattice parameters of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) by solving the Schrödinger equation for small atomic systems, often limited to supercells representing 10-100 atoms. These methods are particularly useful for understanding phase stability and bonding in multi-principal element HEAs such as , where finite-temperature ab initio approaches reveal the significant role of vibrational entropy beyond configurational contributions. For instance, simulations on CoCrFeNi slabs have been employed to model surface adsorption and predict catalytic properties, demonstrating how random atomic distributions affect electronic properties in such systems. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations extend these analyses to larger scales and longer timescales, simulating atomic trajectories to study diffusion and plastic deformation in HEAs. Using software like with embedded atom method (EAM) or modified embedded atom method (MEAM) potentials, MD reveals sluggish diffusion mechanisms and twinning-induced deformation in alloys such as , where atomic-scale disorder leads to enhanced mechanical resilience under strain. These simulations typically involve systems of thousands to millions of atoms, enabling the observation of dynamic processes like vacancy-mediated diffusion coefficients that are significantly lower than in many conventional alloys. The calculation of phase diagrams (CALPHAD) approach integrates thermodynamic databases to predict phase equilibria in multi-component HEAs, employing tools like to extrapolate from binary and ternary subsystems. This method assesses the stability of solid solutions versus intermetallics by evaluating mixing enthalpies and entropies across composition spaces, as demonstrated in early assessments of equiatomic HEAs where high configurational entropy stabilizes single-phase FCC structures. Despite their strengths, these physics-based tools face high computational costs, particularly for HEAs with more than 10 elements, where DFT scales poorly with system size, MD requires accurate multi-body potentials that are challenging to develop, and CALPHAD demands extensive experimental validation for higher-order interactions. Recent efforts integrate these methods with machine learning to enhance efficiency in parameter fitting and prediction.

Machine Learning Integration

Machine learning integration has emerged as a pivotal approach in accelerating the discovery and optimization of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) by leveraging data-driven predictions to navigate their vast compositional space. Techniques such as random forests and neural networks have been widely employed to predict key properties like phase stability, yield strength, and hardness directly from alloy compositions in existing databases. For instance, random forest models excel in handling non-linear relationships between elemental fractions and mechanical behaviors, while neural networks, including graph neural networks, provide superior accuracy for complex property forecasting by capturing atomic-level interactions. Databases like AFLOW and the Materials Project serve as foundational training datasets, offering computed thermodynamic and structural data for thousands of HEA candidates to train these models. Recent 2025 reviews highlight their application in electrocatalytic HEAs, where machine learning predicts adsorption energies and catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reactions, enabling targeted designs for energy applications. These resources facilitate the development of robust predictors by integrating high-throughput ab initio calculations with experimental validations. A key workflow in this domain involves active learning loops, which iteratively refine models by selecting the most informative compositions for simulation or experimentation, improving efficiency compared to exhaustive screening. For example, active learning combined with neural networks has been used to predict optimal elemental ratios in refractory HEAs, achieving enhanced creep resistance at elevated temperatures by identifying stable single-phase structures with minimal trials. This approach not only minimizes computational and experimental costs but also enhances the efficiency of alloy design cycles. Recent advances include generative models, such as conditional generative adversarial networks () and variational autoencoders, which generate novel HEA compositions beyond existing datasets by learning latent representations of desirable properties. These models have successfully proposed untested multi-principal element alloys with predicted superior ductility and thermal stability, demonstrating their potential to expand the HEA design space innovatively. Such integrations briefly enhance traditional computational tools by incorporating empirical data patterns, further streamlining property optimization.

Phase Diagrams

Generation Approaches

Experimental approaches to generating phase diagrams for high-entropy alloys (HEAs) primarily involve thermal analysis techniques combined with structural characterization. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) are used to identify phase transformation temperatures and enthalpies during heating or cooling cycles of alloy samples, revealing invariant reactions and phase boundaries. These thermal data are complemented by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm phase identities and compositions in equilibrated samples, often following controlled heat treatments to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium. Computationally, the Calculation of Phase Diagrams (CALPHAD) method serves as a cornerstone for constructing HEA phase diagrams by integrating thermodynamic models from binary and ternary subsystems into extrapolated multi-component databases. This approach enables the prediction of phase stability, Gibbs energies, and tie-lines across composition-temperature spaces, though it requires careful assessment of extrapolation reliability for higher-order systems. To account for short-range order, which influences local atomic arrangements, cluster expansion techniques are employed; these map effective cluster interactions from first-principles calculations to quantify deviations from random solid solutions. Generating phase diagrams for HEAs faces substantial challenges due to their high dimensionality, particularly in systems with more than five principal elements, where the compositional space expands exponentially and traditional plotting becomes infeasible. Dimensionality reduction methods, such as principal component analysis or interactive visualization tools, are thus essential to project and explore these multi-dimensional landscapes effectively. As of 2025, hybrid machine learning-CALPHAD frameworks have emerged as advanced tools for rapid phase diagram generation, leveraging data-driven models to refine thermodynamic parameters, accelerate database assessments, and predict phase equilibria in unexplored regions of the compositional space. These integrations enhance predictive accuracy by combining CALPHAD's physics-based modeling with machine learning's ability to interpolate from sparse experimental data.

Representative Examples

These examples illustrate the diversity of phase behaviors in HEAs, often governed by valence electron concentration and thermodynamic parameters. One prominent example of a high-entropy alloy (HEA) system is the equiatomic CoCrFeNiMn, often referred to as the Cantor alloy, which exhibits a face-centered cubic (FCC) single-phase solid solution stable up to its melting point of approximately 1350°C, as determined by thermodynamic calculations of its phase diagram. At lower temperatures, around 450–700°C, the σ-phase (a brittle intermetallic) can precipitate during prolonged annealing, potentially compromising ductility. This phase behavior underscores the alloy's suitability for cryogenic to moderate-temperature applications where single-phase stability is critical. In contrast, the refractory NbMoTaW HEA demonstrates body-centered cubic (BCC) solid solution behavior across a broad temperature range, with the disordered A2 phase dominant from the solidus temperature (around 3000 K) down to low temperatures. Ordering to the B2 structure occurs below approximately 600°C (specifically, the B2 formation temperature is under 859 K or ~586°C for the equiatomic composition), leading to nanoscale chemical segregation that influences long-term stability in high-temperature environments. The eutectic AlCoCrFeNi₂.₁ HEA represents a dual-phase system designed via thermodynamic modeling, featuring a lamellar microstructure with alternating FCC (rich in Co, Cr, Fe) and ordered B2 (AlNi-rich) lamellae of ~2 μm spacing, confirming its eutectic composition through a single melting event in differential scanning calorimetry. This regular eutectic structure arises from directional solidification near the eutectic point in the phase diagram, providing inherent refinement without additional processing. A recent advancement in lightweight HEAs is the equiatomic AlLiMgScTi system, where phase diagram assessments reveal dominance of a hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure due to the low average valence electron concentration and favorable stacking fault energy. This HCP dominance persists across a wide composition range, distinguishing it from FCC or BCC counterparts in lighter element systems, with density below 4 g/cm³ suitable for aerospace applications.

Properties

Mechanical Characteristics

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) demonstrate exceptional mechanical strength, often surpassing traditional alloys, primarily due to lattice distortion and solid-solution strengthening effects inherent to their multi-principal element design. In refractory HEAs, such as oxygen-doped MoNbTaVW, yield strengths reaching 1.5 GPa have been achieved at room temperature through severe lattice distortion that impedes dislocation motion and promotes hardening via spinodal decomposition structures. This distortion hardening mechanism, one of the core effects in single-phase HEAs, enhances resistance to plastic deformation without severely compromising overall toughness. Ductility in HEAs is notably retained across a wide temperature range, with face-centered cubic (FCC) variants exhibiting twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) that bolsters performance at cryogenic conditions. For instance, the CoCrFeMnNi HEA shows elongations exceeding 60% at room temperature and up to 80% at 77 K, where generates deformation twins that refine the microstructure and enable superior work hardening rates. More recent advancements, such as in the Fe49Mn30Co10Cr10N1 alloy, combine with transformation-induced plasticity to yield ultimate tensile strengths of 2048 and uniform elongations of 11.6% at 77 K, highlighting the role of local chemical ordering in stabilizing these behaviors. As of 2025, laser-assisted processing has further improved cryogenic mechanical properties and in FeMnCoCrN-based HEAs. Fatigue resistance in HEAs benefits from sluggish diffusion, which slows atomic rearrangement and crack propagation, leading to prolonged cyclic lifetimes compared to conventional materials. S-N curves for alloys like CoCrFeMnNi reveal endurance limits that allow prolonged cyclic lifetimes, attributed to persistent dislocation structures and reduced damage accumulation. At elevated temperatures, HEAs maintain robust tensile properties, with investigations reporting yield strengths exceeding 800 MPa in multi-principal alloys designed for high-temperature applications. These characteristics position HEAs as promising for demanding structural roles where combined strength and temperature resilience are critical.

Electrical and Magnetic Behaviors

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) exhibit elevated electrical resistivity compared to conventional alloys, typically in the range of 100–220 μΩ·cm at low temperatures, attributed to strong induced by severe from the multi-element composition. This disrupts the periodicity of the crystal , leading to enhanced and impurity scattering that significantly reduces mean free paths and . For instance, in the AlxCoCrFeNi system, residual resistivity values vary from 100 μΩ·cm for low Al content to 220 μΩ·cm at higher Al concentrations, with a low of resistivity (around 82.5 /K) that enables stable performance across temperature variations. The electrical properties of HEAs can be chemically tuned by compositional adjustments, allowing for tailored resistivity suitable for applications. Regarding magnetic behaviors, FeCoNi-based HEAs display soft magnetic characteristics with magnetization around 1 T, low , and high permeability, making them promising for electromagnetic applications. These properties arise from the face-centered cubic structure and balanced ferromagnetic interactions among , , and , as seen in FeCoNiAl0.2Si0.2 with a induction of 1.15 T and resistivity of 69.5 μΩ·cm. In contrast, Cr-rich HEAs, such as CrMnFeCoNi, exhibit antiferromagnetic ordering at low temperatures below 100 K, resulting from antiferromagnetic interactions involving Cr atoms that suppress net magnetization. The in HEAs shows anomalous behavior, with the anomalous Hall coefficient exceeding the ordinary one due to intrinsic contributions from ferromagnetic ordering and complex multi-band electronic structures involving both and carriers. Carrier densities are on the order of 1022–1023 cm-3, with hole-like conduction dominating, though the multi-principal elements lead to band overlap and non-trivial curvature effects that enhance transverse conductivity. Recent developments in 2024 have highlighted HEAs with ultra-low (as low as 13.6 A/m) and high stability up to 897 , positioning them as candidates for spintronic devices where efficient spin-orbit torque generation is required without heavy metal reliance.

Thermal and Chemical Stability

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), particularly variants, demonstrate exceptional stability due to their high points, often exceeding 1800°C, which enables their use in extreme high-temperature environments. This elevated liquidus temperature arises from the incorporation of elements such as , , , and , resulting in temperatures that surpass those of many conventional superalloys. Additionally, these alloys exhibit reduced mismatch, typically less than 1%, between constituent phases or with substrates, which minimizes internal stresses and promotes long-term structural integrity during thermal cycling. The sluggish inherent to HEAs further contributes to this stability by slowing atomic rearrangements and phase transformations at elevated temperatures. In terms of oxidation resistance, - and -bearing HEAs form protective chromia (₃) and alumina (₃) scales that significantly curb oxygen ingress. These oxide layers, often compact and adherent, outperform many traditional alloys in oxidative atmospheres. For instance, alloys like AlCrCoFeNi develop mixed chromia-alumina scales that enhance barrier properties through selective oxidation of and , with the multi-element composition promoting scale adherence and reducing risks. Chemical stability in corrosive media, such as , is bolstered by the "cocktail effect," where the synergistic passivation from multiple elements forms a robust, multi-component that resists pitting. This leads to pitting resistance equivalent to or better than austenitic stainless steels in chloride-rich environments, as seen in VAlTiCrSi HEAs exposed to artificial . Recent advances have further improved high-temperature performance, with refractory HEAs like HfNbTaTiZr achieving minimum creep rates on the order of 10^{-7} s^{-1} at 1200°C under moderate stresses (e.g., 5-20 ), attributed to solid-solution strengthening and mechanisms. These developments position HEAs as viable candidates for components and applications requiring prolonged exposure to harsh thermal and chemical conditions.

Applications

Structural and High-Temperature Uses

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have emerged as promising materials for structural applications in demanding environments, particularly where load-bearing capacity and resistance to extreme temperatures are critical. HEAs, composed primarily of elements like , , , and , offer exceptional high-temperature stability, making them suitable for components exposed to oxidative and thermal stresses. These alloys maintain structural integrity under loads at elevated temperatures, surpassing traditional superalloys in and oxidation resistance. In applications, HEAs are being explored for blades that must withstand temperatures exceeding 1500°C. For instance, the VNbMoTaW demonstrates a of approximately 70 MPa·cm³/g at 1500°C, enabling lighter yet more durable components in jet engines compared to nickel-based superalloys. This high-temperature endurance stems from the alloys' high melting points above 2000°C and resistance to , positioning them as candidates for next-generation systems. Recent high-throughput design of eutectic medium-entropy alloys shows promise for elements in advanced systems. For nuclear reactors, radiation-tolerant variants of HEAs, such as the Cantor alloy (CoCrFeMnNi), exhibit superior performance under . These alloys show reduced void swelling (e.g., ~0.2% at ~50 dpa), attributed to their complex microstructure that suppresses defect accumulation and segregation. This tolerance to makes them ideal for structural components like fuel cladding and pressure vessels, where traditional materials suffer significant degradation. In the automotive sector, lightweight HEAs enable the design of components that reduce by up to 20% relative to conventional aluminum alloys, while preserving mechanical strength for and parts. Their lower density, combined with high , supports gains without compromising safety or durability. However, challenges in and cost remain for widespread adoption in structural applications.

Energy and Catalytic Applications

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have emerged as promising materials for energy conversion and storage due to their tunable electronic structures and high catalytic activity, particularly in electrocatalytic processes that enable efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) without relying on scarce platinum. Pt-free HEAs, such as those composed of transition metals like Fe, Co, Ni, and Cr, exhibit low overpotentials for HER and OER, with some achieving values below 50 mV and 300 mV respectively at 10 mA/cm² in alkaline media, surpassing many traditional catalysts through synergistic effects among multiple elements that optimize hydrogen adsorption energies. In applications, HEAs serve as bifunctional electrocatalysts for (ORR), where compositions like PtFeCoNiCu enable high onset potentials above 0.9 V versus the , facilitating efficient four-electron pathways with minimal peroxide intermediates. This performance stems from the alloy's lattice distortion, which modifies d-band centers to balance oxygen binding and desorption, making it viable for both acidic and alkaline fuel cells. The electrical of HEAs, often exceeding 10^6 S/m due to , further supports their integration as electrodes by minimizing ohmic losses during operation. For battery technologies, HEAs and related high-entropy materials are explored as anodes in lithium-ion systems, leveraging severe distortion to stabilize high-capacity phases that deliver specific capacities over 1000 mAh/g initially, though practical values vary and are far beyond graphite's 372 mAh/g limit. These -stabilized structures enhance cycle life, with some exceeding 500 cycles at rates up to 5C. Recent advancements from 2024 to 2025 have positioned HEAs as selective catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction to value-added products like and , with some achieving Faradaic efficiencies up to 90% at current densities around 200 mA/cm². For instance, Cu-based HEAs promote tandem pathways where *CO intermediates are efficiently coupled on multifaceted active sites, outperforming pure Cu catalysts by suppressing hydrogen evolution side reactions. These developments underscore HEAs' potential in sustainable energy cycles by enabling carbon-neutral fuel production.

Biomedical and Antimicrobial Roles

High-entropy alloys () have emerged as promising biomaterials for medical implants due to their tailored compositions that incorporate biocompatible elements, minimizing adverse biological responses. The equiatomic TiZrHfNbTa , composed of non-toxic and hypoallergenic , exhibits low toward human gingival fibroblasts and MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells, with cell viability rates comparable to established alloys like and NiTi. This alloy supports enhanced fibroblast proliferation and osteoblast adhesion, promoting effective essential for long-term implant stability in orthopedic and dental applications. Its single-phase body-centered cubic structure contributes to a of approximately 103 GPa, reducing stress shielding compared to traditional and facilitating around implants. In antimicrobial applications, copper-bearing HEAs leverage the oligodynamic effect of Cu ions for broad-spectrum bacterial inhibition without compromising mechanical integrity. The Co0.4FeCr0.9Cu0.3 HEA demonstrates over 99.97% killing efficiency against Escherichia coli within 24 hours, attributed to the synergistic release of Cu ions from Cu-rich phases and direct contact-mediated membrane disruption, inducing oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at levels of 0.62 μmol/mL. This outperforms conventional 304 stainless steel, which achieves only 71.5% inhibition under similar conditions, while maintaining corrosion resistance and yield strength exceeding 1000 MPa suitable for load-bearing devices. The controlled ion release mechanism ensures sustained antimicrobial activity, reducing biofilm formation on implant surfaces and mitigating device-related infections. For wear-resistant components in joint replacements, HEA coatings on porous substrates significantly lower in simulated physiological environments. AlCoCrFeNi HEA coatings reduce the coefficient by approximately 36% and wear rates significantly compared to uncoated , due to the formation of a stable tribolayer and enhanced surface hardness from . The inherent of HEAs further supports their durability in corrosive bodily fluids, preventing over extended implantation periods. However, challenges in scalability, cost, and long-term testing remain for widespread adoption in biomedical applications.

Specialized Variants

High-Entropy Films

High-entropy films (HEAFs) represent a specialized form of these materials, typically deposited as thin layers with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 10 μm to serve as protective coatings on various substrates. Fabrication primarily employs magnetron , a technique that enables precise control over film by using multi-element targets, such as equimolar CoCrFeMnNi or Al-Fe-Cr-Ni-Cu blends. In this process, (DC) or radio-frequency (RF) modes are utilized, with parameters like power, bias voltage, and gas flow (e.g., Ar or Ar/N₂ mixtures) dictating the elemental and incorporation of phases like nitrides. This method allows for uniform deposition at relatively low substrate temperatures, often near , facilitating application on heat-sensitive materials. The microstructure of HEAFs often transitions from amorphous to nanocrystalline states, influenced by factors such as alloy composition, substrate temperature, and deposition rate. For instance, higher contents of elements like can promote amorphous phases, while elevated temperatures above 400°C favor nanocrystalline structures with face-centered cubic (FCC) or body-centered cubic (BCC) lattices. to substrates is achieved through interdiffusion at the film-substrate , where high-energy ions during embed alloy elements into the surface, forming a metallurgical bond that enhances durability. This interdiffusion creates sub-surface bands less than 1 μm thick, particularly on metallic substrates like . HEAFs offer key advantages for scalable applications, including their ability to maintain structural integrity as protective layers on geometries. The high configurational inherent to these alloys stabilizes single-phase solutions even during low-temperature deposition, where rapid rates (up to 10^9 K/s) suppress and promote homogeneous microstructures. In 2024, DC magnetron of CoCrFeMnNi HEAFs onto S45C substrates demonstrated effective sub-surface implantation, yielding nanocrystalline with enhanced surface properties suitable for -prone environments. Similarly, Al-Fe-Cr-Ni-Cu HEAFs deposited on 304L via exhibited superior resistance in 0.35 wt% NaCl solutions, with corrosion rates as low as 5.54 × 10^{-5} mm/year, outperforming the bare substrate due to their dense, uniform .

High-Entropy Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics

High-entropy ultra-high temperature ceramics (HE-UHTCs) represent a specialized class of high-entropy alloys adapted for extreme thermal environments, typically exceeding 2000°C, where traditional materials fail due to rapid degradation. These ceramics are primarily composed of multicomponent borides and carbides, engineered to incorporate five or more principal elements in near-equiatomic ratios to enhance stability and under hypersonic or re-entry conditions. The composition of HE-UHTCs focuses on refractory transition metals such as (Hf), zirconium (Zr), (Ta), (Nb), and (Ti), forming solid-solution phases like high-entropy carbides (e.g., (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)C) or borides. These materials exhibit melting points above 3000°C, enabling their use in applications requiring sustained structural integrity at ultra-high temperatures. The high-entropy design promotes distortion and sluggish , which contribute to superior and resistance compared to single-phase UHTCs. Synthesis of dense HE-UHTCs commonly employs spark plasma sintering (SPS), a rapid consolidation technique that applies pulsed and to achieve near-full (>98%) at temperatures around 1800–2200°C in under an hour. This method minimizes and preserves the nanoscale homogeneity of mechanically alloyed powders, resulting in fine-grained microstructures essential for mechanical robustness. Alternative approaches, such as ultrafast high-temperature sintering, have also been explored to further reduce processing times while maintaining phase purity. A key advantage of HE-UHTCs is their enhanced oxidation resistance, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2000°C through the formation of protective complex scales, such as Hf6Ta2O17, which act as barriers to oxygen ingress. This stability arises from the synergistic effects of multiple cations, which promote adherent, low-porosity layers that slow rates during prolonged exposure. Compared to UHTCs, HE variants exhibit reduced mass loss and improved scalability for aerodynamic components. In 2025, significant advances in HE-UHTCs include their integration into nozzles for hypersonic vehicles, where compositions like (HfZrTaTiNb)C demonstrate resistance beyond 3000°C in environments, enabling lighter and more durable systems. These developments, driven by optimized and compositional tuning, position HE-UHTCs as critical enablers for next-generation technologies.

Lightweight High-Entropy Alloys

Lightweight high-entropy alloys (LWHEAs) represent a specialized class of high-entropy alloys engineered for reduced while preserving the core benefits of high configurational . These materials achieve densities typically between 3 and 6 g/cm³ by incorporating lightweight elements such as aluminum (Al), lithium (Li), and magnesium (Mg) as principal components, often alongside other metals like titanium (Ti) or beryllium (Be) to form multicomponent systems with five or more elements. This composition strategy ensures a high mixing exceeding 1.5R (where R is the ), promoting the formation of stable solid-solution phases despite the inclusion of low- additives. The mechanical properties of LWHEAs are tailored for weight-sensitive applications, offering superior strength-to-weight ratios that surpass conventional alloys. For instance, certain Al-Mg-Li-based LWHEAs exhibit specific strengths exceeding 200 MPa·cm³/g (equivalent to >200 kN·m/kg), enabling high load-bearing capacity at minimal mass. Additionally, these alloys demonstrate enhanced specific moduli greater than 100 GPa·cm³/g, which supports structural rigidity in dynamic environments without excessive weight penalties. These attributes stem from the synergistic effects of distortion and solid-solution strengthening inherent to the multi-element design. Despite these advantages, developing LWHEAs faces significant challenges, particularly related to phase instability arising from large atomic size mismatches among constituent elements. The incorporation of disparate-sized atoms like (atomic radius ~1.52 ) and (~1.43 ) alongside larger transition metals can lead to compositional segregation, precipitation of phases, or undesired transformations during or service, compromising long-term . Strategies such as precise compositional tuning and advanced techniques, including solidification, are employed to mitigate these issues and maintain single-phase microstructures. As of 2025, notable progress in LWHEAs has focused on applications, where optimized compositions have demonstrated improved fatigue resistance under cyclic loading, attributed to refined microstructures and enhanced crack resistance. These advancements position LWHEAs as promising candidates for components, offering a balance of low and durability in high-stress scenarios.

References

  1. [1]
    Multicomponent and High Entropy Alloys - MDPI
    This paper describes some underlying principles of multicomponent and high entropy alloys, and gives some examples of these materials.
  2. [2]
    A short review on the ultra-high temperature mechanical properties ...
    Mar 16, 2023 · Mechanical properties of refractory high entropy alloys (RHEAs) at ultra-high temperatures (> 1100 °C) are reviewed.
  3. [3]
    Recent progress in high-entropy alloys: A focused review of ...
    In addition, a series of findings on crucial properties of HEAs are also summarized, such as mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and ...Missing: key | Show results with:key
  4. [4]
    Recent progresses on high entropy alloy development using ...
    Oct 17, 2025 · Prediction of key properties: phase stability, mechanical strength ... A critical review of high entropy alloys and related concepts.
  5. [5]
    Refractory high-entropy alloys - ScienceDirect.com
    Two refractory high-entropy alloys with near-equiatomic concentrations, W–Nb–Mo–Ta and W–Nb–Mo–Ta–V, were produced by vacuum arc melting.
  6. [6]
    [PDF] AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2022-0023 Refractory High Entropy Alloys for ...
    May 9, 2022 · MoNbTaW and MoNbTaWV were the first RHEAs developed in the year 2010 [6]. These alloys have shown excellent strength retention capability even ...
  7. [7]
    Development and exploration of refractory high entropy alloys—A ...
    Jun 8, 2018 · Recently, a new strategy of so-called high entropy alloys (HEAs) has been proposed to develop a new generation of high temperature materials.
  8. [8]
    Progress in Additive Manufacturing of High-Entropy Alloys - MDPI
    This paper reviews the advancements in the AM of HEAs, encompassing a variety of AM techniques, including selective laser melting (SLM), selective laser ...Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s
  9. [9]
    New class of 3D-printed alloys brings more flexibility to super-strong ...
    Aug 3, 2022 · A new class of high entropy alloys that demonstrated both high yield strength and high ductility beyond other state-of-the-art 3D printed metal alloys.
  10. [10]
    Design of Light-Weight High-Entropy Alloys - MDPI
    In order to lower the density below 7.0 g/cm3, additions of Al and/or Ti are required for single-phase light-weight HEAs, but excess additions of these elements ...
  11. [11]
    A Novel Cu and Ag Bearing High‐Entropy Alloy With Remarkable ...
    Dec 11, 2024 · A novel Cu and Ag bearing high-entropy alloy is developed with remarkable antibacterial, antiviral and anti-microbial corrosion performances ...Missing: addition | Show results with:addition
  12. [12]
    Recent Advances in High-Temperature Properties of High-Entropy ...
    Jun 11, 2025 · This review systematically examines the latest progress in HEAs' key high-temperature properties: tensile properties, creep resistance, oxidation resistance, ...
  13. [13]
    Nanostructured High‐Entropy Alloys with Multiple Principal ...
    May 24, 2004 · A new approach for the design of alloys is presented in this study. These “high-entropy alloys” with multi-principal elements were ...
  14. [14]
    High-Entropy Alloys: A Critical Review - Taylor & Francis Online
    This paper reviews some crucial aspects of the field, including core effects, phase formation, mechanical properties, high-temperature properties, and corrosion ...
  15. [15]
    Classifying and benchmarking high-entropy alloys and associated ...
    Numerically, many researchers have applied this configurational entropy calculation to classify a material as High-Entropy (ΔSConfig ≥ 1.61R), medium entropy ...
  16. [16]
    Electronegativity and enthalpy of mixing biplots for High Entropy ...
    The most significant difference between the solid solution forming high entropy alloys and bulk metallic glasses lies in the atomic size difference. These rules ...<|separator|>
  17. [17]
    [PDF] Refractory High Entropy Alloys for High Temperature ... - DTIC
    May 9, 2022 · MoNbTaW and MoNbTaWV were the first RHEAs developed in the year 2010 [6]. These alloys have shown excellent strength retention capability even ...
  18. [18]
    Research Progress of Refractory High Entropy Alloys: A Review
    Nov 30, 2022 · In this paper, the important research progress of RHEAs are reviewed and will be focused on alloy systems and strengthening mechanism, preparation method, ...<|separator|>
  19. [19]
    Twenty years of the CoCrFeNiMn high-entropy alloy
    The Cantor alloy exhibits an excellent strain hardening capability, exceptional ductility at ambient and cryogenic temperatures; and a promising fracture ...
  20. [20]
    Hot deformation mechanisms of dual phase high entropy alloys
    Jun 30, 2023 · Single-phase high entropy alloys are typically composed of either an FCC or a BCC phase [16]. Although some HCP alloys have also been proposed ...
  21. [21]
    A review on high-throughput development of high-entropy alloys by ...
    This review begins with an introduction to HEAs and their unique properties. Then, this review describes high-throughput computational methods such as machine ...
  22. [22]
    Enhanced Toughness of High-Entropy (Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2 Hf 0.2 ... - MDPI
    This study investigates the role of SiC whiskers (SiCw) in simultaneously suppressing grain growth and enhancing the toughness of high-entropy (Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2 ...
  23. [23]
    Bio-high entropy alloys: Progress, challenges, and opportunities - NIH
    High-entropy alloys have become one of the most promising medical metal materials in recent years due to their biological safety, high strength, high corrosion ...
  24. [24]
    Entropy Determination of Single-Phase High Entropy Alloys ... - MDPI
    Aug 30, 2018 · The calculation of configurational entropy, also called mixing entropy, is given in Equation (3) with n as the number of elements, xi the ...
  25. [25]
    How high is the entropy in high entropy ceramics? - AIP Publishing
    Oct 21, 2021 · Nevertheless, if Eq. (7) is employed to calculate a five component, equimolar alloy, then the molar configurational entropy is 1.61 R. Let us ...
  26. [26]
    On Lattice Distortion in High Entropy Alloys - Frontiers
    proposed to use an atomic size difference parameter δ to characterize lattice distortion in HEAs, although only on a qualitative basis (Zhang et al., 2008).Introduction · Discussion · Implication · Summary
  27. [27]
    Different lattice distortion effects on the tensile properties of Ni-W ...
    The lattice distortion of a solute primarily occurs because its atomic size and chemical bonding are different from those of neighboring atoms.Missing: CoCrFeNiMn | Show results with:CoCrFeNiMn
  28. [28]
    Local lattice distortion in high-entropy alloys | Phys. Rev. Materials
    Jul 19, 2017 · We show that the atomic size mismatch evaluated with the empirical atomic radii is not accurate enough to describe the local lattice distortion.Abstract · Article Text · SUPERCELL MODEL AND... · RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
  29. [29]
    Sluggish diffusion in Co–Cr–Fe–Mn–Ni high-entropy alloys
    The results show that the diffusion coefficients in the Co–Cr–Fe–Mn–Ni alloys are indeed lower than those in the reference metals.
  30. [30]
    Mechanism of sluggish diffusion under rough energy landscape
    This work elucidates the governing mechanism for sluggish diffusion in HEAs, which enables efficient and accurate manipulation of diffusion properties in HEAs.
  31. [31]
    State-of-the-Art Diffusion Studies in the High Entropy Alloys - MDPI
    sluggish diffusion—kinetics of diffusion is hindered in comparison to pure metals and conventional alloys, resulting in smaller values of diffusion coefficients ...
  32. [32]
    Activation energy QG of all high/medium entropy alloys (H/MEAs ...
    Activation energy QG of all high/medium entropy alloys (H/MEAs) and some conventional alloys. The diffusion coefficient D, and corresponding parameters of ...
  33. [33]
    Low energy atomic traps sluggardize the diffusion in compositionally ...
    The sluggish diffusion reduces the creep deformation strain rates, increasing the resistance to creep for the CCA at high temperatures.Missing: benefits transformations
  34. [34]
  35. [35]
    [PDF] IS627: Radiotracer diffusion in refractory high-entropy alloys
    Dec 10, 2019 · We intend to prove an anticipated tendency to a successive slow down of the tracer diffusion rates with an increased number of components in ...
  36. [36]
    [PDF] A Mystery of "Sluggish Diffusion" in High-Entropy Alloys
    The first interdiffusion measurements utilizing a diffusion couple technique seemed to confirm the postulated paradigm of sluggish diffusion in HEAs [8,9,11].
  37. [37]
    High-entropy alloys: a critical assessment of their founding ...
    1. High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are alloys that contain multiple principal alloying elements, often in near-equiatomic ratios.
  38. [38]
    A critical review of high entropy alloys and related concepts
    Here we present a critical review of this field, with the intent of summarizing key findings, uncovering major trends and providing guidance for future efforts.
  39. [39]
    Effect of Al additions on the microstructures and tensile properties of ...
    AlxCoCr3Fe5Ni high entropy alloys with varying aluminum contents (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) were synthesized by induction melting and casting method.
  40. [40]
    Corrosion and oxidation behavior of high entropy alloys in extreme ...
    Jul 9, 2025 · As a by-product of corrosion, an oxide layer forms on the metal surface. Initially, this layer acts as a protective barrier, slowing the rate of ...
  41. [41]
    Corrosion-Resistant High-Entropy Alloys: A Review - MDPI
    High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are solid solutions with random arrangements of multiple elements, expected to have unique corrosion-resistant properties.
  42. [42]
    Exploring high entropy alloys: A review on thermodynamic design ...
    This review focuses on intricate thermodynamic and computational modeling to guide the design and optimization of HEAs.
  43. [43]
    [PDF] Use of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) in Future Nuclear Applications
    Jan 31, 2023 · In his paper, Cantor arc melted several alloys containing many elements in equiatomic ratios, including one 20-component ingot, with 5 at% each ...
  44. [44]
    Origin of radiation resistance in multi-principal element alloys - Nature
    Oct 30, 2018 · In particular, most HEAs exhibit high radiation damage tolerance as reported by experimental studies, so HEAs also attract attention as new ...
  45. [45]
    High-Entropy Alloys: Innovative Materials with Unique Properties for ...
    High cooling rates (in the range of 103–106 K/s) during solidification are expected to minimize phase segregation and ensure the formation of a homogeneous ...
  46. [46]
    Advances in High-Entropy Alloy Research: Unraveling Fabrication ...
    Jun 7, 2025 · Initiated by Yeh and associates in the early 2000s, the high-entropy paradigm introduced an innovative pathway to attain mechanical and thermal ...
  47. [47]
    Screening of Refractory High-Entropy Alloy Solidification Behavior ...
    Aug 12, 2025 · The high-temperature strength of refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) limits viable thermomechanical processing routes; thus, ...
  48. [48]
    Structural Stability of Titanium-Based High-Entropy Alloys Assessed ...
    Nov 27, 2023 · The sintering process and long-term homogenization at a temperature of 1000 °C were applied for up to 1000 h, followed by the observation of the ...
  49. [49]
    Accelerating the Exploration of High‐Entropy Alloys: Synergistic ...
    Jun 30, 2024 · This review summarizes recent advances in computational simulations and experiments of structure-property relationships in HEAs at the nano/micro scales.
  50. [50]
    Advances in vacuum arc melting for high entropy alloys: A review
    The VAM process involves vaporizing multiple alloying elements in a vacuum environment and subsequently condensing them, enabling the synthesis of HEAs through ...
  51. [51]
    Preparation of high entropy alloys and application to catalytical ...
    Jul 8, 2022 · Electric arc melting is a common method to produce bulk alloys. Because of the complexity of the alloy composition and the large differences ...
  52. [52]
    A comparative study on Arc- and vacuum induction-melting for Ti16 ...
    Nov 30, 2024 · This study features a comparative analysis between AM and vacuum induction-melting (VIM) techniques for High Entropy Shape Memory Alloys (HE-SMAs) production.
  53. [53]
    Development of a large size FCC high-entropy alloy with excellent ...
    Jul 22, 2019 · The as-forged HEA had yield strength (YS) of 792 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 1055 MPa and a satisfactory fracture elongation (EL) of 22.6% ...
  54. [54]
    Temperature dependencies of the elastic moduli and thermal ...
    Feb 25, 2015 · An equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA), produced by arc melting and drop casting, was subjected to severe plastic deformation ...
  55. [55]
    Mechanical properties, microstructure and thermal stability of a ...
    Sep 1, 2015 · An equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA), produced by arc melting and drop casting, was subjected to severe plastic deformation ...
  56. [56]
  57. [57]
  58. [58]
    An Overview of High-Entropy Alloys Prepared by Mechanical ... - MDPI
    This review discusses the mechanical alloying of various HEAs followed by consolidation using SPS, and also discusses their various mechanical properties.
  59. [59]
  60. [60]
    High-Entropy Alloy for Thin Film Application: A Review - MDPI
    In this review paper, we are aiming to provide recent studies on the thin film/coating-based high-entropy alloy on fundamental issues related to methods of ...
  61. [61]
  62. [62]
  63. [63]
    Recent advancements in lightweight high entropy alloys
    LWHEAs are a sub-class of HEAs, containing Al, Li, Be, Ti, Mg, and other elements whose densities are below 6 g/cm³ [10,11]. The elements V, Cr, Mo, Zr, Nb, Ta, ...Missing: seminal papers
  64. [64]
    Synthesis of Li-Mg-Al-Ti based lightweight high entropy alloys by ...
    Mechanical alloying is an important technique for lightweight HEAs, not only forming solid solutions, but also the ease of handling light metal elements.
  65. [65]
    Review Regarding the Influence of Cryogenic Milling on Materials ...
    Aug 24, 2024 · This paper presents the advantages of cryogenic cooling compared with the classic cooling systems used industrially.
  66. [66]
    CoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloy as an Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution ...
    Aug 3, 2021 · Calculations for surface adsorption on the CoCrFeNi HEA were done using VASP on slab models cut from the large SCRAPs bulk supercell. The ...Missing: seminal | Show results with:seminal
  67. [67]
    An understanding of high entropy alloys from phase diagram ...
    The purposes of this paper are twofold: first, to discuss the role of entropy of mixing in the determination of stability of solid solution phases.
  68. [68]
    Ab initio phase stabilities and mechanical properties of ...
    May 14, 2018 · A review of solid-solution models of high-entropy alloys based on ab initio calculations ... (CoCrFeNi)1−y alloys using ab initio calculations.
  69. [69]
    A neural network model for high entropy alloy design - Nature
    Apr 12, 2023 · A neural network model is developed to search vast compositional space of high entropy alloys (HEAs). The model predicts the mechanical properties of HEAs ...
  70. [70]
    Graph representation of local environments for learning high ...
    Based on this representation, we introduce the LESets machine learning model, an accurate, interpretable GNN for HEA property prediction. We demonstrate the ...
  71. [71]
    Aflow - Automatic FLOW for Materials Discovery
    Quick Search in AFLOW.org, a globally available database of 3,929,948 material compounds with over 817,429,184 calculated properties, and growing.Missing: high- entropy alloys
  72. [72]
    MPHEAP: Materials Project High Entropy Alloy Properties
    This code extends the Materials Project by adding a module that calculates properties for high entropy alloys used in nuclear materials.Missing: AFLOW | Show results with:AFLOW
  73. [73]
    Harnessing machine learning for high-entropy alloy catalysis - Nature
    Apr 4, 2025 · This review provides a comprehensive overview of ML-driven strategies for adsorption energy prediction in the context of HEAs.
  74. [74]
    Machine learning–enabled high-entropy alloy discovery - Science
    Oct 6, 2022 · Active learning has the potential to reduce the computational costs of alloy design and to both incorporate and guide experimental data and ...
  75. [75]
    Machine Learning-Based Computational Design Methods for High ...
    May 22, 2025 · Post, Machine learning accelerated discovery of corrosion-resistant high-entropy alloys. Comput. Mater. Sci. 237, 112925 (2024). Article CAS ...
  76. [76]
    Developing novel low-density high-entropy superalloys with high ...
    Feb 15, 2025 · This work used an automated machine learning (ML) model to explore high-entropy superalloys (HESAs) with coherent γ' nanoprecipitates in the FCC-γ matrix.Missing: alloys | Show results with:alloys
  77. [77]
    Generative deep learning as a tool for inverse design of high ...
    Discovering novel alloys rather than simply sampling from known compositions often requires that the cGAN model be able to generate compositions that have ...
  78. [78]
    Interpretable Machine Learning for High-Strength High-Entropy ...
    Sep 23, 2024 · A hybrid Generative Adversarial Network-Variational Autoencoder model explores new alloy compositions beyond existing datasets. By incorporating ...
  79. [79]
    cardiGAN: A generative adversarial network model for design and ...
    Oct 20, 2022 · The cardiGAN model may be utilized to generate large numbers of candidate MPEAs with minimal computational burden, generating novel compositions ...
  80. [80]
    AI Design for High Entropy Alloys: Progress, Challenges and Future ...
    This paper systematically reviews the latest advancements in AI applications for high-entropy alloy design, covering key technologies such as machine learning ...
  81. [81]
    Chapter 12: Phase Diagram Determination - ASM Digital Library
    Along with equilibrated alloys, several techniques are used to determine phase diagrams. These include thermal analysis (TA), metallography, X-ray diffraction ...
  82. [82]
    [PDF] METHODS FOR PHASE DIAGRAM DETERMINATION
    Methods include using equilibrated alloys, diffusion couples, diffusion multiples, computational thermodynamics, and DTA/DSC measurements for phase diagram ...<|separator|>
  83. [83]
    Experimental investigation of the phase equilibria, phase stability ...
    The study investigated phase equilibria, stability, and defect structure in the Cr-Zr system using DSC, XRD, and SEM, measuring eutectic and eutectoid ...
  84. [84]
    [PDF] Characterization of high-entropy alloys - UPCommons
    Jul 20, 2018 · calculated according to the atomic size difference ratio (δ) as shown in. 𝛿 = 100√∑(1 −. ri. ∑. ciri. n. i=1. ) n. i=1. Equation 4 ...
  85. [85]
    The CALPHAD approach for HEAs: Challenges and opportunities
    In this article, we will review the use of the CALPHAD approach in understanding phase stability and diffusion in high-entropy alloys.
  86. [86]
    Short-range order in high entropy alloys:Theoretical formulation and ...
    May 4, 2017 · In this work, the cluster expansion (CE) Hamiltonian for multi-component alloy systems is developed in order to investigate the dependence of ...
  87. [87]
    Capturing short-range order in high-entropy alloys with machine ...
    Aug 21, 2025 · Chemical short-range order (SRO) affects the distribution of elements throughout the solid-solution phase of metallic alloys, ...
  88. [88]
    Visualizing High Entropy Alloy Spaces: Methods and Best Practices
    Aug 14, 2024 · We present a 'toolbox' of visualization techniques that allow for meaningful and insightful visualizations of MPEA composition spaces and property spaces.
  89. [89]
    Interactive Exploration of High-Dimensional Phase Diagrams | JOM
    May 3, 2022 · This paper presents software tools that enable the interactive visualization and exploration of phase equilibria in high-dimensional spaces.
  90. [90]
    Visualizing high entropy alloy spaces: methods and best practices
    Dec 4, 2024 · In this methods article, we present a suite of visualization techniques that allow for meaningful and insightful visualizations of MPEA composition spaces and ...
  91. [91]
    Data‐Driven Discovery of New Eutectic High‐Entropy Alloys via ...
    Jul 27, 2025 · This study presents a novel strategy combining Calculation of Phase Diagrams and machine learning to efficiently predict eutectic ...
  92. [92]
    A comparative study of predicting high entropy alloy phase fractions ...
    Aug 9, 2024 · The CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) method is an important computational framework for predicting phase stability of HEAs in complex ...
  93. [93]
  94. [94]
    Lattice‐Distortion‐Enhanced Yield Strength in a Refractory High ...
    Nov 2, 2020 · Hence, the lattice distortion leads to an increase in the achievable yield strength of the solid-solution alloys without an appreciable change ...
  95. [95]
    Local chemical order enables an ultrastrong and ductile high ...
    Nov 29, 2024 · Ritchie, Real-time nanoscale observation of deformation mechanisms in CrCoNi-based medium- to high-entropy alloys at cryogenic temperatures.
  96. [96]
  97. [97]
    An Overview on Fatigue of High-Entropy Alloys - PMC - NIH
    Dec 7, 2023 · Typically, fatigue data are represented as an S-N curve, which depicts the logarithmic correlation between cyclic stress or strain and the ...
  98. [98]
  99. [99]
  100. [100]
    High entropy alloy reinforced lightweight metal matrix composites
    Reduced Thermal Expansion Mismatch: Compared to ceramics, HEAs have ... Predicting the formation and stability of single phase high-entropy alloys.
  101. [101]
    High-Temperature Oxidation and Phase Stability of AlCrCoFeNi ...
    Jul 19, 2024 · ... Thermal Expansion) mismatch. This ... Relative effects of enthalpy and entropy on the phase stability of equiatomic high-entropy alloys.
  102. [102]
    Passivation behavior of VAlTiCrSi amorphous high-entropy alloy film ...
    Aug 6, 2025 · The VAlTiCrSi high-entropy alloy (HEA) film with excellent corrosion-resistance in artificial sea water was successfully and easily fabricated ...
  103. [103]
    [PDF] Application of Refractory High- Entropy Alloys for Higher - OSTI.gov
    Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) address wear, erosion, corrosion, high-temperature strength, creep, and radiation issues in Brayton cycles and nuclear ...
  104. [104]
    Radiation effects on microstructure and hardening behavior in high ...
    Jun 25, 2025 · Despite Cantor alloys' improved radiation tolerance, such as reduced void swelling, less radiation-induced segregation, and lower hardening ...Missing: than | Show results with:than
  105. [105]
    [PDF] Radiation-tolerant high-entropy alloys via interstitial-solute - arXiv
    Ni+ irradiation experiments at elevated temperatures demonstrate a remarkable reduction in void swelling by at least one order of magnitude compared to the base.
  106. [106]
    High-Entropy Alloys in Developing Lightweight Automotive ...
    Sep 4, 2025 · ... components, achieving up to 20% weight reduction compared to conventional aluminum alloys while maintaining comparable strength properties.
  107. [107]
    High-throughput design of a light and strong refractory eutectic ...
    Jan 10, 2025 · Light, strong, and radiation-tolerant materials are essential for advanced nuclear systems and aerospace applications.
  108. [108]
    An Overview of High-Entropy Alloys as Biomaterials - MDPI
    High-entropy alloys are loosely defined as alloys containing at least five principal elements, each having an atomic percentage ranging between 5 and 35%.
  109. [109]
    Formation, structure and properties of biocompatible TiZrHfNbTa ...
    Mar 7, 2019 · Biocompatibility of HEAs in the TiZrHfNbTa system in which all the constituents are non-toxic and allergy-free was scrutinized ...Missing: osseointegration | Show results with:osseointegration
  110. [110]
  111. [111]
    Superior antiwear biomimetic artificial joint based on high-entropy ...
    Superior antiwear biomimetic artificial joint based on high-entropy alloy coating on porous Ti6Al4V ... friction coefficient by employing the high-entropy alloy ...
  112. [112]
    Engineering copper and copper-based materials for a post-antibiotic ...
    Since 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially classified copper alloys as antimicrobial surfaces, capable of killing over 99.9% of ...
  113. [113]
    Magnetron Sputtering High-Entropy Alloy Coatings: A Mini-Review
    Feb 11, 2022 · Magnetron sputtering has been regarded as one of the most efficient methods for the deposition of HEA-based thin films.
  114. [114]
    High-Entropy Alloy Films - MDPI
    High-entropy alloy films readily form nanocrystalline or amorphous structures, and thus exhibit a high hardness and elastic modulus that far exceed those of ...
  115. [115]
    Deposition of high entropy alloy sub-surface films on metal ...
    Apr 9, 2024 · DC magnetron sputtering using a CoCrFeMnNi equimolar target is used to deposit HEFs on glass substrates, A5052 aluminum sheets, and S45C steel sheets.
  116. [116]
    Review on mechanical and functional properties of refractory high ...
    Dec 30, 2023 · According to the Boltzmann equation, materials like steel and Ti/Al alloys are classified as low-entropy alloys with S ≲ R, while Ni/Co-based ...
  117. [117]
    Selected high-entropy alloys for thin film deposition, with improved ...
    Oct 28, 2025 · In stainless steel and nickel-based alloys, Cu additions can enhance resistance in sulfuric and phosphoric acid environments. In HEAs, Cu ...
  118. [118]
    [PDF] High-Entropy Ultra-High-Temperature Borides and Carbides: A New ...
    Apr 23, 2021 · High- entropy ultra-high-temperature ceramics are candidates for use in extreme environments that include temperatures over 2,000°C, heat fluxes ...
  119. [119]
    The Design of High Entropy Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for ...
    Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs), most notably transition metal carbides and borides, exhibit melting temperatures exceeding 3000°C, making them ...
  120. [120]
    [PDF] High-Entropy Boride-Carbide Ceramics by Sequential ... - OSTI.GOV
    Transition metal boride and carbide ceramics are classified as ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs)1 due to their melting temperatures of more than 3000°C.
  121. [121]
    M,Hf,Ti,Zr)C ceramics - ScienceDirect.com
    Aug 27, 2025 · This energy difference influenced the selective incorporation of transition metals into the high-entropy boride or the high-entropy carbide ...
  122. [122]
    Processing and Properties of High-Entropy Ultra-High Temperature ...
    Jun 5, 2018 · Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC's) are a limited and select set of carbides, nitrides and borides of the group IV and V transition metals, ...
  123. [123]
    Spark Plasma Sintering of Mechanically Alloyed High Entropy ...
    Nov 20, 2023 · In the current study, mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) approaches were used to develop equiatomic high entropy nitride (HEN).
  124. [124]
    Synergistic hardening in a dual phase high-entropy (Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr ...
    Oct 10, 2024 · The synthesized powder was densified by spark plasma sintering at 2000°C, resulting in complete solid solution formation and a relative density ...Abstract · INTRODUCTION · RESULTS AND DISCUSSION · CONCLUSIONS
  125. [125]
    Ultrafast high-temperature synthesis and densification of high ...
    In this work, six dense multicomponent carbides (containing 5–8 cations) were prepared by a novel ultrafast high-temperature sintering (UHS) technique within a ...
  126. [126]
    [PDF] A perspective on challenges and opportunities in developing high ...
    The complex oxide of Hf6Ta2O17 has shown to improve the oxidation resistance of TaC-HfC solid-solution under the extreme temperature conditions of a plasma jet.
  127. [127]
    High Entropy Ultra-high Temperature Ceramics Composites
    The improved oxidation of the MC-UHTCs has been attributed to the complex mixed oxide phase of Hf6Ta2O17. The recession rate for the binary UHTC is 0.97 mm/s, ...
  128. [128]
    Composition dependence of oxidation resistance in high entropy ...
    High entropy diborides show better oxidation resistance than carbides. (HfZrTiMoW)C has better resistance than Ta-containing carbides. All show preferential ...
  129. [129]
    UHTCs | University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied ...
    Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) for Hypersonic Vehicles. UHTC materials have possible future applications as thermal protection systems for the wing ...
  130. [130]
    High-entropy ceramics defying temperature limit of thermal protection
    Aug 6, 2025 · In a recent issue of Advanced Materials, Chu's group developed high-entropy carbides with exceptional oxidation resistance up to 3,600°C, which ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  131. [131]
    First principles-based design of lightweight high entropy alloys
    Dec 18, 2023 · Recently, the design of lightweight high entropy alloys (HEAs) with a mass density lower than 5 g/cm3 has attracted much research interest ...Missing: cm³ | Show results with:cm³
  132. [132]
    (PDF) Recent Advancements in Lightweight High Entropy Alloys-A ...
    Jun 22, 2024 · ... density of 5.76 g/cm3 at room temperature. Additionally, it demonstrated improved high-temperature yield strength of 100 GPa.g/cm3 at 800°C.<|separator|>
  133. [133]
    Lightweight Multiprincipal Element Alloys with Excellent Mechanical ...
    Dec 5, 2022 · The maximum specific strength reached 202 (MPa·cm−3/g) in this study. It is apparent that the specific yield strength in this study was much ...
  134. [134]
    A dual-phase alloy with ultrahigh strength-ductility synergy over a ...
    Aug 20, 2021 · The highest specific yield strength (~150.2 MPa·cm3/g) among reported ductile HEAs is obtained. The ability of the alloy presented here to ...
  135. [135]
    First principles-based design of lightweight high entropy alloys - NIH
    We found that HEAs with the topmost compositions exhibit a negative formation energy, a low density and high specific Young's modulus, but a low Pugh's ratio.
  136. [136]
    Present challenges in development of lightweight high entropy alloys
    In general, alloys with densities less than 6 g/cm3 are considered as LW-HEAs in the literature. The present drawback is their rather high density with very ...
  137. [137]
    Phase stability and transformation in a light-weight high-entropy alloy
    The present paper investigates the phase stability and transformation behaviors of a newly-designed light-weight Al ...
  138. [138]
    Light Weight High Entropy Alloys: Structure, Properties, and ...
    Aug 14, 2025 · Lightweight high entropy alloys (LWHEAs), characterized by their low density, exceptional mechanical properties, and superior corrosion ...
  139. [139]
    (PDF) High-Entropy Materials for Aerospace Applications: A Path to ...
    The main topics of this study include fatigue resistance, fracture toughness, and severe lattice distortion. It also investigates the basic principles ...
  140. [140]
    High-Entropy Aluminum Alloys: Breaking Material Limits
    Mar 25, 2025 · The improved fatigue life is crucial in applications where components face repeated stress, such as in aerospace or automotive parts.
  141. [141]
    Synthesis and properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu high entropy alloys. A review
    Oct 14, 2025 · A thorough analysis of the mechanical, thermal, and corrosion characteristics of these alloys is provided, emphasizing the ways in which various ...